INL Bureau One-Page Fact Sheet

Fact Sheet

Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs

July 27, 2015

“Security Through Justice”

INL works to keep Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.

Combatting Crime and Corruption

INL combats crime by helping foreign governments build effective law enforcement institutions that counter transnational crime—everything from money laundering, cybercrime, and intellectual property theft to trafficking in goods, people, weapons, drugs, or endangered wildlife. INL combats corruption by helping governments and civil society build transparent and accountable public institutions—a cornerstone of strong, stable, and fair societies that offer a level playing field for U.S. businesses abroad.

Countering Drug-related Crime and Improving Police Institutions

INL confronts the illegal drug trade as both a criminal and a public health problem. INL works to reduce the demand for and supply of illicit drugs by:

Promoting drug prevention, treatment, and recovery abroad;

Helping countries reduce illegal drug production and trafficking;

Supporting legitimate economic alternatives for people involved in the illicit economy;

Supporting Rights and Justice

INL works with these partners to fight injustice and promote laws and court systems that are fair, legitimate and accountable. INL’s training, technical assistance, and mentoring:

Make courts and legal systems more fair and transparent;

Develop judges, prosecutors, and investigators who are highly skilled and accountable;

Improve correctional facilities and prisoner treatment standards;

Encourage women to join law enforcement and legal fields;

Combat gender-based violence and hate crimes, and aid survivors.

Partnerships

INL draws on American expertise to combat crime, corruption, and narcotics trafficking abroad and to develop trustworthy justice systems. The Department of State has more than 100 partners across the United States to facilitate training and exchanges with foreign countries, including with:

Federal law enforcement agencies;

State, and local police and corrections departments;

Local and state courts;

District attorney’s offices and public defenders; and

Port authorities.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons rests on three interrelated and mutually reinforcing pillars: nonproliferation, peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and disarmament.

THE NPT’S PEACEFUL USES PILLAR

Article IV of the NPT is making good on the promise to broaden access to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In the 45 years since the NPT’s entry into force, cooperation on peaceful nuclear uses has grown tremendously. Today, peaceful nuclear applications improve the lives of people all around the world.

CHALLENGES ADDRESSED BY PEACEFUL USES OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY

Peaceful uses of nuclear energy are addressing modern challenges such as climate change, energy security, and sustainable development. The benefits are clear, and all NPT parties must work to ensure continued access to these benefits in a safe and secure manner and without increasing the risk of proliferation.

THE UNITED STATES STANDS FIRMLY IN SUPPORT OF THE PEACEFUL USES PILLAR

At the 2015 NPT Review Conference, the United States announced an additional commitment of $50 million to the IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative over the next five years, cementing our status as the largest donor to the International Atomic Energy Agency. Previously, since 2010, the United States has provided more than $190 million to promote peaceful nuclear applications, including about $108 million to the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Fund, $50 million to the IAEA Peaceful Uses Initiative, and $33 million in inkind support. These contributions have enhanced, and will continue to augment, the capabilities of more than 150 IAEA Member States to promote health care and nutrition, water resource management, food security, sustainable development and development of nuclear power infrastructure.

In addition, the United States has provided nearly $60 million in support to the IAEA’s Nuclear Security Fund since 2010 to help ensure the physical protection of nuclear material, as well as $16 million to support IAEA efforts to promote nuclear safety.

The United States has civil nuclear agreements that permit peaceful nuclear cooperation with 47 countries, as well as the IAEA and Taiwan, and is pursuing agreements with additional partners.

The United States is advancing international efforts to guarantee reliable access to nuclear fuel, including the IAEA’s low-enriched uranium bank, to which we contributed nearly $50 million. We have also made available 230 metric tons of low-enriched uranium, downblended from surplus highly enriched uranium, via our American Assured Fuel Supply bank, which is now the largest fuel bank in the world.

PEACEFUL USES INITIATIVE SUPPORT TO IAEA PROJECTS IS MAKING A GLOBAL IMPACT

IAEA projects supported with funding from the IAEA’s Peaceful Uses Initiative can be found in nearly every region of the world.

Ensuring food security: The PUI has helped to fund expanded laboratory capacities in Africa to improve the detection of animal diseases, and in Latin America to ensure food safety and reduce the fruit fly threat to agricultural resources.

Advancing human health: The PUI has strengthened national capacities throughout the world to detect and treat cancer, enhanced early detection capabilities for Ebola in Africa, and supported the advancement of education and training in nuclear medicine to improve the treatment of cardiac patients.

The Amazing Atoms app is a one-of-a-kind application that allows users to explore the peaceful uses of nuclear science around the world. The app presents the full spectrum of projects currently underway around the globe that are working to improve people’s lives. The International Atomic Energy Agency, with support from the U.S. Department of State, is working to raise awareness of these projects which range from cancer therapy in Africa, to food security activities in South America. This app is available through the App Store and through the Google Play Store.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

]]>Tue, 28 Jul 2015 08:37:26 EDTFact Sheets: Visit of President U Thein Sein of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar / U.S. Assistancehttp://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/05/209707.htm
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/05/209707.htm

Visit of President U Thein Sein of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar / U.S. Assistance

Fact Sheet

Washington, DC

May 20, 2013

The United States recognizes the important ongoing reform efforts underway by President Thein Sein, his government, Parliament, and key stakeholders among civil society to build a modern, peaceful, and democratic country. Building on a long legacy of support for the aspirations of the Burmese people, the United States is providing assistance to strengthen and accelerate the political, economic, and social transition; promote and strengthen respect for human rights; deliver the benefits of reform to the country’s people; and support the development of a stable society that reflects the diversity of all its people.

Drawing on the technical expertise and assets of U.S. Government agencies, institutes of higher education, U.S. businesses, nongovernmental organizations, and other partners, the United States is working to bring American ingenuity and ideas to the Burmese people. Through our calibrated policy and targeted foreign assistance programs and partnerships, we are working with the government and civil society to foster a sustainable transition to a democracy that respects and promotes human rights. Program activities include the following:

Recognizing that the development of a transparent, accountable, representative government responsive to the needs of the people is critical for the democratic transition, the U.S. Government is assisting in improving electoral administration to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in 2015 as well as promote voter education, strengthen parliament, and support political party development. U.S. assistance promotes legal reform by supporting the technical capacity of the Government and empowering a broad-based civil society.

The reestablishment of the Fulbright program is an important opportunity for the people of our two countries to work and learn side by side, teach students, build human capital and institutional capacity, and engage in scholarly collaboration through educational exchanges. In addition, EducationUSA advising offered at the U.S. Embassy provides accurate, comprehensive, and current information about how to apply to U.S. colleges and universities; the first ever EducationUSA fair in Rangoon in February 2013 drew the participation of 10 U.S. institutions and more than 1000 students and parents.

The United States is catalyzing university-private sector partnerships involving U.S. businesses and U.S. and Burmese institutions of higher education to address critical development needs. The American Center in Rangoon, which has the highest attendance of any American Center in the world, trains political, civil society and labor activists in democratic systems, and civic engagement.

The United States welcomes the Government’s support for the establishment of a Peace Corps program. A new program would not only build strong people-to-people ties between the people of our two countries, but also help meet development needs.

Recognizing the role of agriculture in providing livelihoods for the majority of the Burmese people, the U.S. Government has funded a study that provides an expanded knowledge base for developing food security programs. In addition to providing essential health services, the United States is also laying the groundwork for the country’s first ever Demographic and Health Survey, which will provide data to relevant authorities, service providers, and the international community to best serve the health needs of the people.

One of the country’s most significant challenges is achieving the national unity that has eluded it since independence. U.S. assistance aims to address the root causes of long-running conflicts and ethnic tensions. In addition, we continue to provide substantial humanitarianassistance to conflict-affected and vulnerable populations in border areas, the interior of the country, and in the region.

The United States is taking additional steps to promote inclusive, broad-based economic development and strengthen economic relations between our two countries. Following the targeted easing in 2012 of economic sanctions, in consultation with Congress, we are supporting U.S. businesses as they apply their high standards in bringing responsible investment to Burma. We also seek to support reform by leveraging the talents and resources of the U.S. private sector to enhance economic development and extend the benefits of economic reform to all of the country’s people.

As reaffirmed in a joint statement, the United States, through the State Department’s Energy Governance and Capacity Initiative, intends to provide technical assistance in support of the implementation of international best practices in oil and gas management and oversight, financial accountability, and safety and environmental stewardship.

The United States is providing assistance to facilitate the transformational opportunities that result from a competitive and accessible telecommunications market. As the country liberalizes its telecommunications sector, the U.S. Government intends to provide technical assistance and capacity building, provide counsel in the development of a national broadband plan, and assist in the development of a universal service plan, supporting the government in meeting its goals to rapidly expand connectivity across the country in the context of an open regulatory and legal framework.

With these and other activities, the United States underscores our commitment to support and assist all of the people of Burma in their efforts to embrace reform and promote and respect human rights, and highlights our dedication to help them realize the full potential of their extraordinary country.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

U.S. Relations With Bahrain

More information about Bahrain is available on the Bahrain Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-BAHRAIN RELATIONS

The United States established diplomatic relations with Bahrain in 1971 following its independence from the United Kingdom. The U.S. embassy at Manama was opened September 21, 1971, and a resident ambassador was sent in 1974. The Bahraini Embassy in Washington, D.C., opened in 1977. The American Mission Hospital has operated continuously in Bahrain for more than a century.

Bahrain plays a key role in regional security architecture and is a vital U.S. partner in defense initiatives. Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet and participates in U.S.-led military coalitions. Bahraini forces have supported the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, providing perimeter security at a military base. Bahrain was the first Arab state to lead a Coalition Task Force patrolling the Gulf and has supported the coalition counter-piracy mission with a deployment of its flagship. The U.S. designated Bahrain a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2002.

As Bahrain continues to experience political and social unrest, the United States continues to urge the Government of Bahrain to take steps to implement reforms and to promote national reconciliation, both through dialogue with political and civil society and through engagement with Bahrain’s parliament, which was elected in November 2014.

U.S. Assistance to Bahrain

The Government of Bahrain plays a key role in the Gulf’s security architecture and is an important member of the U.S.-led anti-ISIL coalition. U.S. assistance enables Bahrain to continue to obtain the equipment and training it needs to provide for its own defense and to operate alongside U.S. air and naval forces. U.S. assistance also strengthens Bahrain’s interoperability for regional security and counterterrorism cooperation; boosts Bahrain’s maritime defenses against smuggling and terrorism; and improves Bahrain’s ability to deny terrorist sponsorship, support, and sanctuary in a manner that respects the human rights of its residents.

Bilateral Economic Relations

Due to its relatively limited energy reserves, Bahrain has been diversifying its economy away from oil and gas production and is seeking to attract foreign investment and businesses. The U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement took effect on August 1, 2006, and has generated increased U.S. commercial interest in Bahrain. Bilateral trade between the U.S. and Bahrain has increased each since the signing of the Free Trade Agreement, exceeding $2 billion USD in 2014. U.S. exports to Bahrain include machinery, aircraft, vehicles, and agricultural products. U.S. imports from Bahrain include fertilizers, aluminum, textiles, apparel, and organic chemicals.

Bahrain's Membership in International Organizations

Among other regional and global organizations, Bahrain is a member of the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

U.S. Relations With Oman

More information about Oman is available on the Oman Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.

U.S.-OMAN RELATIONS

The United States and Oman concluded a treaty of friendship and navigation in 1833. It was replaced in 1958 by the Treaty of Amity, Economic Relations, and Consular Rights, and the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1972. Oman and the United States signed a military cooperation agreement In 1980, which was revised and renewed in 2010.

Oman plays an important role in helping the United States realize its regional stability goals. Oman is strategically located on a key naval chokepoint through which 40% of the world’s exported oil shipments pass. The Government of Oman relies heavily on foreign assistance capacity-building to keep this critical sea-lane open to naval vessels and commercial traffic.

Oman also faces its own security challenges, which include combating piracy, weapons smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and monitoring and controlling Oman’s borders. The Omani security establishment has deployed assets to address increased insecurity along Oman’s land and sea border with Yemen. Internally, Oman faced protests in 2011 that resulted in moderate political and economic reforms, including the creation of fifty thousand additional public sector jobs.

U.S. Assistance to Oman

U.S. assistance contributes to counter-piracy efforts, strengthens Oman’s capability to monitor and control its borders, and improves interoperability of the Omani military with U.S. forces. Under the Memorandum of Understanding on Environmental Cooperation, signed in 2006 alongside the free trade agreement, the Department of State’s trade-related environmental cooperation programs focus on protecting the environment while promoting sustainable development. Military cooperation, financial assistance, and direct military sales help to address a number of Oman’s security challenges. FY2014 military aid in the form of International Military Education and Training (IMET) and Foreign Military Financing (FMF) from the United States to Oman is approximately $11 million, in line with figures from the past several years.

Bilateral Economic Relations

The United States and Oman have a free trade agreement which has been in force since 2009. In 2014, Oman exports to the U.S. totaled $975 million while U.S. exports to Oman accounted for more than $2 billion, a 28.2% increase from 2013 . U.S. exports to Oman include machinery, vehicles, aircraft, agricultural products, and medical instruments. U.S. imports from Oman include crude oil, jewelry, plastics, fertilizers, iron, and steel products.

U.S. firms face a small and highly competitive market dominated by trade with Japan, China, and re-exports from the United Arab Emirates. Higher transportation costs and the lack of U.S. exporters’ familiarity with Oman hampers the sale of U.S. products.. However, traditional sources of U.S. trade in Oman, oil field supplies and services, should grow as fields and wells expand.

Membership in International Organizations

Oman and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Although a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council, Oman is not a member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.